Hull City head coach Leonid Slutsky is hopeful of persuading Tomas Kalas to become his first new recruit as he prepares to holds talks with the Chelsea defender over the coming days.

Kalas has become one of City’s main targets this summer, with Slutsky keen to plug sizable gaps in his defensive line following the departure of Harry Maguire, Curtis Davies and the on-loan Andrea Ranocchia.

Michael Dawson is the only recognised centre-half left on City’s books but Slutsky is desperate to pip Championship rivals Fulham to Kalas’ signature.

The Tigers have already been in contact with Chelsea, a club owned by Slutsky’s close friend Roman Abramovich, and are now attempting to convince Kalas a move to the KCOM Stadium trumps a return to Fulham, where the 24-year-old spent last season on loan.

Kalas is known to have enjoyed his time at Craven Cottage and the West London outfit remain optimistic they can land the Czech Republic international for a second time in the face of competition from the Tigers.

Leonid Slutsky:

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Some reports have suggested City are willing to pay £5m to land Kalas but the club’s current preferred option is still for a season-long loan. Kalas has previously flown the nest at Stamford Bridge for temporary spells with Vitesse Arnhem, FC Cologne and Middlesbrough.

City’s only business so far this summer has been the sale of Maguire and Davies but Slutsky wants to step up recruitment ahead of a return to pre-season training in just 10 days.

The threat of further sales continues to hang over those preparations. Andy Robertson, Ahmed Elmohamady and Abel Hernandez are expected to move on following relegation but City are aiming to keep Sam Clucas at the KCOM Stadium.

The gifted midfielder has been linked with Leicester, Burnley and Swansea but the Tigers do not envisage selling unless offers prove irresistible for a player who still has two years remaining on his contract.